Alex Bregman’s Cubs embrace doubles as reminder for Red Sox to stop talking

The Alex Bregman era has gotten off to a glowing start for the Chicago Cubs during spring training. Bregman has already emerged as a voice of influence within the clubhouse, and it speaks to the reputation he earned during his time with the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox. Losing that type of presence can sting, which is why the Red Sox still sound salty about how negotiations ended with Bregman last month.

Honestly, it's something the Cubs felt last year. When the Cubs' offer to Bregman in 2025 didn't come close to what was on the table from the Red Sox, it was clear during the early weeks of the regular season that the team was left wondering "what-if" when it came to having the All-Star third baseman.

With Bregman signed to a five-year deal this offseason that includes no opt-outs and a full no-trade clause, the Cubs no longer have to play the "what-if" game. That has been left to the Red Sox, whom Bregman avoided going into in retrospective details when talking with USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

When asked if he would've returned to the Red Sox had Boston's offer included a no-trade clause, Bregman suggested there was more to his decision to sign with the Cubs. The 32-year-old added that "it wasn't worth it" to discuss what may have gone wrong during negotiations with the Red Sox, and that feels like a reminder the Red Sox should take to heart.

Enjoying life with the Chicago Cubs, Alex Bregman isn't here to play the drama game with the Red Sox

Bregman is in camp with the Cubs, about to play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and the start of the regular season is nearly a month away. He made his decision to sign with the Cubs in January so that he wouldn't have to focus on the drama of a contract situation once spring training started.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox can't help but mention Bregman any chance they get. If anything, Boston should take a page out of Bregman's book and turn the page. Bregman isn't going back to Boston until the Cubs play the Red Sox at the end of the 2026 season. It's time for them to move on.

Honestly, it's just nice that the Cubs aren't the team obsessing about the one who got away.